Nominate a Local Hero

Over the past several years, the Prince William County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Council has recognized those in the community who have helped children prosper. The council is once again holding its "Local Heroes" recognition program to find those who have contributed to the welfare of the children in the community, and they are looking for nominations.

"It is an opportunity for members of the community — individuals, companies and organizations — to be recognized for doing things that improve the lives of young people in Prince William County," said Tracy Hannigan, who is the deputy director of the County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and co-chairs the council.

Hannigan said the range of people who can be nominated can be boundless. "I think it's an opportunity to recognize anyone that is intentionally going above and beyond to help youth in the community learn to be caring and responsible adults. It can be a neighbor, a pastor, a coach, a teacher, a co-worker or family member, anyone is eligible."

Past nominees have included a school principal, the coordinator of the First Tee program, an area rotary club and a Project Mend-a-House volunteer, amongst others.

Specific, written examples of a nominee's work, in less than 500 words, must be submitted to thannigan@pwcgov.org by Dec. 7. The nomination must include the nominee's name and contact information, and it must explain how the nominee exhibits any or all of the four qualities of education, communication, empowering and serving the community that support youth.

Those who are chosen as local heroes will be recognized at an event on Jan. 10, 2019, at the Edward L. Kelley Leadership Center, where soccer standout and Prince William County native Ali Krieger will be the guest speaker.

The Prince William County Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Council includes representatives from the county's Departments of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Social Services and Police, along with Prince William County Schools and non-profits. The council seeks to equip people, organizations and leaders to unite in order to nurture well-rounded children. "It's a wheel of people who intentionally meet to help young people succeed," said Hannigan.

Please log-in with your Facebook account to post comments. Comments will be visible upon approval. Please note that comments containing inappropriate language, personal attacks or other content not suitable for a general audience will not be published